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social impact issues are trending in Canada in 2023

What Social Impact Issues Are Trending in Canada in 2023?

by Feb 15, 2023Social Impact

2023 is shaping up to be a dramatic year for social impact in Canada. 

2023 is shaping up to be a dramatic year for social impact in Canada, as many Canadians are recognizing the impact on people and the planet from social and environmental issues affecting our country. There quite literally is ‘no planet B’; we don’t have a backup plan. These issues are definitely in the minds and hearts of Canadians.

With the rise of the digital economy and more Canadians recognizing the need to invest in their communities, there are several trending topics that are sure to spark debate and discussion. From combatting climate change to transforming our cities, here’s a look at some of the issues that are top of mind in Canada this year.

Climate Change

With rising temperatures across the globe and increasingly severe weather patterns, climate change is a major issue in Canada this year.

Climate change on the minds of Canadians

Canadians are focusing on how to reduce their carbon footprints, as well as looking for ways to use renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels.

Governments at all levels are also making commitments to tackle this global challenge.

The Canadian Climate Institute reports, we’ve made some significant progress in 2022 and 2023 is looking positive. “Significantly, just five policies are needed to get us most of the way to Canada’s 2030 emissions targets. Of those five, three could be finalized in 2023: the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector, the Clean Electricity Regulation, and improvements to carbon pricing.”

Affordable Housing

With skyrocketing rents and housing prices, many Canadians are struggling to find affordable places to live.

This issue is particularly critical in large cities like Vancouver, Victoria and Toronto where the cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. Governments and organizations at the local level are working hard to address this issue and provide more accessible housing for their citizens but there is much work to be done on this important issue.

“The Canadian government is doubling housing construction over the next decade, according to the measures proposed in Budget 2022. This will include investing $4 billion to launch a new Housing Accelerator Fund with the aim to build 100,000 new housing units within the next five years.” reports CMP “And creating a Tax-Free First Home Savings Account that will help Canadians buy their first home. 

Mental Health

Mental health is a huge concern in Canada, with the World Health Organization estimating that almost one-quarter of Canadians will experience mental illness at some point in their lives.

Canadians are concerned about mental health in 2023

The government is taking steps to provide better access to mental health services and resources, but greater strides are needed. Organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association are working hard to raise awareness and support those affected by mental illness.

Organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are working hard to raise awareness and support those affected by mental illness. With 330 community locations across Canada, CMHA promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.

Healthcare

Canada’s healthcare system has been under considerable strain in recent years due to a growing population, aging demographics, a lack of doctors in many urban and rural areas, and the post-pandemic strain on services.

The government is making investments in new technologies such as telemedicine to help alleviate the pressure on healthcare professionals, but it is still a major issue. In addition, there are calls for more focus on preventative care and improved access to services in rural and remote areas.

On February 7, 2023, Prime Minister Trudeau announced, “ it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by $196.1 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding.” Time will tell if this will make a marked improvement for many Canadians and the healthcare system in general. 

The Healthy Debate reports, in an August 2022 study, “Nanos reported that 70 percent of Canadians feel that access to health care is worse after the COVID-19 pandemic, about 50 percent believe we are in a health-care crisis and 38 percent don’t trust either federal or provincial governments to fix the problem.” 

Income Inequality

Income inequality has become an increasingly prominent topic of discussion in Canada over the past few years.

The gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population is widening, with those in lower-income brackets struggling to make ends meet.

The gap between the wealthy and the rest of the population is widening, with those in lower-income brackets struggling to make ends meet.

In response, policymakers are looking for ways to reduce poverty and increase economic mobility, such as increasing access to early childhood education and introducing a basic income guarantee.

The Conference Board of Canada reports, “Personal income taxes and government transfers (such as social assistance, employment insurance, child benefits, and old age security) have helped to reduce income inequality.”  Can more be done? Of course. It’s an ongoing issue and with the widening gap between the wealthy and lower-income, the poverty gap is increasing. This is an issue that requires ongoing and immediate attention. 

Indigenous Rights

Indigenous peoples in Canada have a long history of marginalization and discrimination. Despite progress in many areas, there is still much work to be done to ensure Indigenous rights are respected and upheld. 

Discussions around Indigenous land claims, language preservation, and education reform are trending topics amongst policymakers. Many Canadians are learning, listening and contributing to the discussion around reconciliation and wishing to undo the history of our treatment of the people who inhabited this land before us. 

What social impact topic is most important to you? 

At Business 4 Social Good we help entrepreneurs put people, planet, and purpose at the core of business equal with the bottom line. Let us help you make a lasting impact today. Reach out.

Deb Alcadinho, Chief Impact Officer & Founder, Business 4 Social Good

Author: Deb Alcadinho

Deb Alcadinho is the Founder & Chief Impact Officer at Business 4 Social Good, and the Founder of The Social Good Academy. She’s a social impact trainer and consultant to female business owners who want to move beyond CSR and philanthropy, and position social good at the heart of their business.

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